Telesuit: An Immersive User-Centric Telepresence Control Suit

Abstract

Telepresence takes place when a user is afforded with the experience of being in a remote environment or virtual world, through the use of immersive technologies. A humanoid robot and a control apparatus that correlates the operator's movements whilst providing sufficient sensory feedback, encompass such immersive technologies. This paper considers the control mechanisms that afford telepresence, the requirements for continuous or extended telepresence control, and the health implications of engaging in complex time-constrained tasks. We present Telesuit - a full-body telepresence control system for operating a humanoid telepresence robot. The suit is part of a broader system that considers the constraints of controlling a dexterous bimanual robotic torso, and the need for modular hardware and software that allows for high-fidelity immersiveness. It incorporates a health-monitoring system that collects information such as respiratory effort, galvanic skin response, and heart rate. This information is consequently leveraged by the platform to adjust the telepresence experience and apply control modalities for autonomy. Furthermore, the design of the Telesuit garment considers both functionality and aesthetics.